Optical unit with shake correction function

ABSTRACT

An optical unit may include a movable module holding an optical element having an optical axis; a fixed body comprising; a support mechanism swingably supporting the movable module; a drive mechanism structured to swing the movable module; and a flexible circuit board connected with the movable module and fixed body. The flexible circuit board may include a leading-out part extending from the movable module on a first side of the optical axis; a first extended part extending from the leading-out part to a second side of the optical axis; a first curved part which is curved from a tip end side of the first extended part toward a rear side; a second extended part extending from the first curved part toward the first side; and a fixed part of the second extended part connected with the fixed body on the first side of optical axis.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is the U.S. national stage of application No. PCT/JP2014/073434,filed on Sep. 5, 2014. Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) and 35 U.S.C. §365(b) is claimed from Japanese Applications No. 2013-198907, filed Sep.25, 2013; and 2014-055486, filed Mar. 18, 2014, the disclosures of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an optical unit with a shake correctionfunction which is mounted on a cell phone with a camera or the like.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, a cell phone is structured as an optical device onwhich an optical unit for photographing is mounted. In the optical unit,in order to restrict disturbance of a photographed image due to a shakeof a user's hand, a structure has been proposed in which a movablemodule holding an optical element is swung to correct the shake. Inorder to perform the shake correction, the movable module is required tobe swingably supported by a fixed body. Therefore, a structure has beenproposed in which a movable module is swingably supported by a pivotprovided on a rear side in an optical axis direction of the movablemodule and the movable module is swung with the pivot as a swing centerso as to correct a shake of the optical unit (see Patent Literatures 1and 2).

Further, in the optical units described in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, astructure is adopted in which a flexible circuit board is largely curvedin a “C”-shape in the vicinity of a connecting position with a movablemodule and is extended in parallel with a rear side end face in anoptical axis direction of the movable module and then, its tip endportion is bent to an opposite side and is arranged along a bottom platepart of a fixed body so that, when the movable module is swung, theflexible circuit board connected with the rear side end part in theoptical axis direction of the movable module does not apply anunnecessary force to the movable module.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[PTL 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-96805

[PTL 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-96863

In a case that a movable module is structured to swing with a rear sidein an optical axis direction of the module movable as a swing center, adisplacement amount of the movable module is small on the rear side inthe optical axis direction, but a displacement amount of the movablemodule on the front side in the optical axis direction is large.Therefore, a sufficient space is required to secure around the movablemodule in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction andthus, a size of the optical unit in the direction perpendicular to theoptical axis direction becomes large.

In order to eliminate the problem, it is conceivable that the movablemodule is swingably supported at a midway position of the movable modulein the optical axis direction. However, in this structure, in comparisonwith a case that the movable module is structured to swing with a rearside of the movable module in the optical axis direction as a swingcenter, the rear side end part of the movable module in the optical axisdirection is displaced largely. Therefore, when the movable module isswung, a flexible circuit board connected with the rear side end part ofthe movable module in the optical axis direction easily applies anunnecessary force to the movable module.

SUMMARY

In view of the problem described above, at least an embodiment of thepresent invention provides an optical unit with a shake correctionfunction which is capable of reducing a force which is applied to themovable module by the flexible circuit board even when the movablemodule is swingably supported at a midway position of the movable modulein the optical axis direction.

In order to attain the above, at least an embodiment of the presentinvention provides an optical unit with a shake correction functionincluding a movable module which holds an optical element whose opticalaxis is extended along a first direction, a fixed body having a bodypart which surrounds the movable module, a support mechanism whichswingably supports the movable module at a midway position of themovable module in the first direction, a shake correction drivemechanism structured to swing the movable module, and a flexible circuitboard which is connected with the movable module and the fixed body. Theflexible circuit board includes a leading-out part which is extendedfrom the movable module on one side relative to the optical axis in asecond direction intersecting the first direction, a first extended partwhich is extended from the leading-out part to the other side relativeto the optical axis in the second direction so as to face a rear sideend face in an optical axis direction of the movable module through agap space, a first curved part which is curved on a tip end side of thefirst extended part toward a rear side in the optical axis direction, asecond extended part which is extended from the first curved part towardthe one side in the second direction, and a fixed part of the secondextended part which is connected to the fixed body on the one siderelative to the optical axis in the second direction.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, the supportmechanism is provided at a midway position of the movable module in afirst direction and the movable module is structured to be swung withthe midway position of the movable module in the first direction as acenter. Therefore, even in a case that the movable module is swung bythe same angle, a displacement amount of the movable module in adirection perpendicular to the first direction (second direction andthird direction) is smaller on a front side in the optical axisdirection than that of a structure that the movable module is structuredto be swung with the rear side in the optical axis direction as a swingcenter. Accordingly, a large space is not required to secure around themovable module in a direction perpendicular to the optical axisdirection and thus the size of the optical unit with a shake correctionfunction can be reduced in the direction perpendicular to the opticalaxis direction. In a case that the movable module is swung with a midwayposition of the movable module in the first direction as a swing center,a displacement amount of the movable module is larger on the rear sidein the optical axis direction than that of a structure that the movablemodule is structured to be swung with the rear side in the optical axisdirection as a swing center. Therefore, a displacement amount of theflexible circuit board provided on the rear side in the optical axisdirection of the movable module also becomes larger. However, in atleast an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible circuit boardis provided with the first extended part which is extended from theleading-out part located on one side relative to the optical axis in thesecond direction to the other side relative to the optical axis in thesecond direction, the first curved part curved from the tip end side ofthe first extended part toward the rear side in the optical axisdirection, and the second extended part extended from the first curvedpart toward the one side in the second direction and, in the secondextended part, the fixed part connected with the fixed body is locatedon the one side in the second direction relative to the optical axis.Therefore, the dimension of the flexible circuit board from theleading-out part to the fixed part is long and thus, when the movablemodule is swung, a force applied from the flexible circuit board to themovable module is small. Accordingly, the movable module can be swungappropriately and thus a shake such as a hand shake can be correctedappropriately.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat, when viewed in the first direction, the leading-out part and thefixed part are overlapped with each other. According to this structure,the dimension of the flexible circuit board from the leading-out part tothe fixed part can be set further long and thus, when the movable moduleis swung, a force applied from the flexible circuit board to the movablemodule can be made further small.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat the flexible circuit board is provided with a second curved partwhich is curved from the leading-out part toward the rear side in theoptical axis direction between the leading-out part and the firstextended part, and the first extended part is extended from the secondcurved part toward the other side in the second direction. According tothis structure, the first extended part of the flexible circuit boardcan be extended in a posture substantially parallel with the rear sideend face in the optical axis direction of the movable module. Therefore,the dimension of the flexible circuit board from the leading-out part tothe fixed part can be set longer and thus, when the movable module isswung, a force applied from the flexible circuit board to the movablemodule can be made smaller.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat a spacer is disposed between the rear side end face in the opticalaxis direction and the first extended part on the one side relative tothe optical axis in the second direction and is fixed to the rear sideend face in the optical axis direction. According to this structure, ina state that a gap space between the first extended part of the flexiblecircuit board and the rear side end face in the optical axis directionof the movable module is appropriately secured by the spacer, the firstextended part of the flexible circuit board can be extended in a posturesubstantially parallel with the rear side end face in the optical axisdirection of the movable module. Therefore, the first extended part ofthe flexible circuit board and the rear side end face in the opticalaxis direction of the movable module are hard to interfere with eachother and thus, when the movable module is swung, a force applied fromthe flexible circuit board to the movable module can be made furthersmall.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat a gyroscope is fixed to the rear side end face in the optical axisdirection on an extended line of the optical axis and a dimension of thegyroscope in the first direction is smaller than that of the spacer.According to this structure, even when a gyroscope is provided on therear side end face in the optical axis direction of the movable module,the flexible circuit board and the gyroscope can be prevented fromcontacting with each other and thus erroneous detection of a shake inthe gyroscope and the like due to contact of the gyroscope with theflexible circuit board can be prevented.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it may be structuredthat a spacer is provided with a protruded part which is protruded tothe rear side in the optical axis direction on the one side relative tothe optical axis in the second direction, the spacer being fixed to therear side end face in the optical axis direction, and the protruded partis disposed between the rear side end face in the optical axis directionand the first extended part. According to this structure, in a statethat a gap space between the first extended part of the flexible circuitboard and the rear side end face in the optical axis direction of themovable module is appropriately secured by the protruded part of thespacer, the first extended part of the flexible circuit board can beextended in a posture substantially parallel with the rear side end facein the optical axis direction of the movable module. Therefore, thefirst extended part of the flexible circuit board and the rear side endface in the optical axis direction of the movable module are hard tointerfere with each other and thus, when the movable module is swung, aforce applied from the flexible circuit board to the movable module canbe made further small.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat a gyroscope is fixed to the rear side end face in the optical axisdirection on an extended line of the optical axis and a dimension of thegyroscope in the first direction is smaller than that of the protrudedpart. According to this structure, even when a gyroscope is provided onthe rear side end face in the optical axis direction of the movablemodule, the flexible circuit board and the gyroscope can be preventedfrom contacting with each other and thus erroneous detection of a shakein the gyroscope and the like due to contact of the gyroscope with theflexible circuit board can be prevented.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat a clamp member is fixed to the spacer and holds a portion of thefirst extended part located on the one side relative to the optical axisin the second direction between the spacer and the clamp member.According to this structure, the first extended part is not required tobe fixed with an adhesive.

In this case, it may be structured that the clamp member is providedwith a pressing part in a flat plate shape which is overlapped with thefirst extended part on an opposite side to the spacer and a connectingplate part which is extended from the pressing part toward the spacerand is connected with the spacer. According to this structure, thepressing part is formed in a flat plate shape and thus the firstextended part can be surely held over a large area.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat one of the connecting plate part and the spacer is formed with anengagement hole and the other is formed with an engaging projectionwhich is engaged with the engagement hole. According to this structure,the clamp member can be easily attached and detached to and from thespacer.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat an elastic member is provided between the first extended part andthe pressing part and between the first extended part and the spacer.According to this structure, the first extended part can be held surely.Especially, in a case that a plurality of the first extended parts isheld, the plurality of the first extended parts are held bysubstantially same forces and thus, when the movable module is swung, anunbalanced force is hard to be applied from the first extended parts tothe movable module.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat the spacer is made of material whose thermal conductivity is higherthan that of a mounting part of the flexible circuit board on which animaging element is mounted. According to this structure, heat generatedby the imaging element can be released through the spacer.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, the spacer is, forexample, made of metal.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat a heat radiation acceleration part is formed in the spacer and theheat radiation acceleration part is formed of at least one of a throughhole extended so as to penetrate through the spacer and a grooveextended along a side face of the spacer. According to this structure, aheat radiation area of the spacer can be increased and thus the heatradiation performance of the spacer can be enhanced.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat an extending direction of the heat radiation acceleration part is adirection intersecting the optical axis. According to this structure,the heat radiation acceleration part is hard to be closed by othermembers located in the optical axis direction.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat a plurality of the flexible circuit boards is provided so as to beshifted from each other in a third direction intersecting the firstdirection and the second direction. According to this structure, incomparison with a case that one flexible circuit board is used, a forceapplied from the flexible circuit board to the movable module can befurther reduced. Further, a plurality of the flexible circuit boards isshifted from each other in the third direction and thus, when themovable module is swung, impairing of followability of each of theflexible circuit boards due to contact with each other can besuppressed.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat three pieces of the flexible circuit boards are provided so as tobe shifted from each other in the third direction, and dimensions in thethird direction of a first flexible circuit board and a second flexiblecircuit board of the three pieces of the flexible circuit boards whichare located on both sides in the third direction are equal to eachother. According to this structure, forces applied from the flexiblecircuit boards to the movable module can be balanced.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat the dimensions in the third direction of the first flexible circuitboard and the second flexible circuit board are different from adimension in the third direction of a third flexible circuit board whichis located between the first flexible circuit board and the secondflexible circuit board in the third direction and, among the firstflexible circuit board, the second flexible circuit board and the thirdflexible circuit board, a length dimension from the leading-out part tothe fixed part of a flexible circuit board whose dimension in the thirddirection is larger is longer than that of a flexible circuit boardwhose dimension in the third direction is smaller. According to thisstructure, even when a flexible circuit board with a large dimension inthe third direction is used, the flexible circuit board is capable ofbeing easily deformed to follow a shake of the movable module.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat, when viewed in the first direction, the first curved parts of thefirst flexible circuit board and the third flexible circuit board arelocated at different positions from each other in the second direction,and the first curved parts of the second flexible circuit board and thethird flexible circuit board are located at different positions fromeach other in the second direction. According to this structure, whenthe movable module is swung, impairing of followability of each of theflexible circuit boards due to contact of the flexible circuit boardswith each other can be suppressed.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat the fixed body includes a first bottom plate having an opening parton the rear side relative to the first extended part in the optical axisdirection for extending the second extended part to the rear side in theoptical axis direction, and a second bottom plate which covers theopening part on the rear side relative to the second extended part inthe optical axis direction. In the fixed part, the second extended partis fixed to a face on the rear side in the optical axis direction of thefirst bottom plate. According to this structure, the second extendedpart of the flexible circuit board is easily fixed to the first bottomplate.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat the support mechanism is provided at a middle position of themovable module in the first direction. According to this structure, in adirection perpendicular to the first direction (second direction andthird direction), a displacement amount of the movable module on thefront side in the optical axis direction can be made small when themovable module is swung.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferablethat the support mechanism is provided at the same position in the firstdirection as a gravity center position of the movable module. Accordingto this structure, the movable module can be appropriately swung with arelatively small drive force.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it may be structuredthat the support mechanism is a gimbal mechanism.

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, the supportmechanism is provided at a midway position of the movable module in afirst direction and the movable module is swung with the midway positionof the movable module in the first direction as a swing center.Therefore, even when the movable module is swung by the same angle, adisplacement amount of the movable module in a direction perpendicularto the first direction (second direction and third direction) is smalleron a front side in the optical axis direction than that of a structurethat the movable module is swung with the rear side in the optical axisdirection as a swing center. Accordingly, a large space in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis direction is not required to securearound the movable module and thus the size of the optical unit with ashake correction function in the direction perpendicular to the opticalaxis direction can be reduced. In a case that the movable module isswung with a midway position of the movable module in the firstdirection as a center, a displacement amount of the movable module islarger on the rear side in the optical axis direction than that of astructure that the movable module is swung with the rear side in theoptical axis direction as a center. Therefore, a displacement amount ofthe flexible circuit board provided on the rear side in the optical axisdirection of the movable module also becomes larger. However, in atleast an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible circuit boardis provided with the first extended part which is extended from theleading-out part located on one side relative to the optical axis in thesecond direction to the other side relative to the optical axis in thesecond direction, the first curved part curved from the tip end side ofthe first extended part toward the rear side in the optical axisdirection, and the second extended part extended from the first curvedpart toward the one side in the second direction and, in the secondextended part, the fixed part connected with the fixed body is locatedon the one side in the second direction relative to the optical axis.Therefore, the dimension of the flexible circuit board from theleading-out part to the fixed part is long and thus, when the movablemodule is swung, a force applied from the flexible circuit board to themovable module is small. Accordingly, the movable module can be swungappropriately and thus a shake such as a hand shake can be correctedappropriately.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary,not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in severalFigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing a state that anoptical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention is mounted on an optical device suchas a cell phone.

FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) are explanatory views showing the optical unit witha shake correction function in accordance with the first embodiment ofthe present invention which is viewed from an object to be photographedside.

FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) are explanatory views showing the optical unit witha shake correction function in accordance with the first embodiment ofthe present invention which is viewed from an opposite side to an objectto be photographed side.

FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are explanatory cross-sectional views showing theoptical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an inside of the opticalunit with a shake correction function in accordance with the firstembodiment of the present invention which is disassembled.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a disassembled state of amovable module of the optical unit with a shake correction function inaccordance with the first embodiment of the present invention which isviewed from an object side.

FIGS. 7(A), 7(B) and 7(C) are exploded perspective views showing anoptical module and the like used in the movable module shown in FIG. 6which are viewed from an object side.

FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) are explanatory views showing flexible circuitboards of the optical unit with a shake correction function inaccordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a frame and the like usedin the movable module shown in FIG. 6 which are viewed from an objectside.

FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B) are explanatory views showing a gimbal mechanismand the like which are used in the optical unit with a shake correctionfunction in accordance with the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 11(A), 11(B) and 11(C) are explanatory views showing a weight andthe like which are used in the movable module shown in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B) are explanatory views showing a movable module ofan optical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with asecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) are explanatory views showing the optical moduleand the like shown in FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B) in detail.

FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B) are explanatory views showing a second curved partof a flexible circuit board and the like of the optical unit with ashake correction function in accordance with the second embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) are explanatory views showing a spacer in a firstimproved example which is used in the optical unit with a shakecorrection function to which the present invention is applied.

FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B) are explanatory views showing a spacer in a secondimproved example which is used in the optical unit with a shakecorrection function to which the present invention is applied.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below withreference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, astructure for preventing a hand shake in an optical module forphotographing will be described as an example. Further, in the followingdescription, three directions perpendicular to each other are set to bean “X”-axis direction, a “Y”-axis direction and a “Z”-axis direction. Afirst direction along an optical axis “L” ((lens optical axis/opticalaxis of an optical element) is set to be the “Z”-axis direction, asecond direction intersecting the “Z”-axis direction (first direction)is set to be the “Y”-axis direction, and a third direction intersectingthe “Z”-axis direction (first direction) and the “Y”-axis direction(second direction) is set to be the “X”-axis direction. Further, in thefollowing description, regarding swings of the respective directions,turning around the “X”-axis corresponds to a so-called pitching(vertical swing), turning around the “Y”-axis corresponds to a so-calledyawing (lateral swing), and turning around the “Z”-axis corresponds to aso-called rolling. Further, “+X” is indicated on one side in the“X”-axis direction, “−X” is indicated on the other side, “+Y” isindicated on one side in the “Y”-axis direction, “−Y” is indicated onthe other side, “+Z” is indicated on one side in the “Z”-axis direction(opposite side to an object side/rear side in an optical axisdirection), and “−Z” is indicated on the other side (object side/frontside in the optical axis direction).

First Embodiment

(Entire Structure of Optical Unit for Photographing)

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing a state that anoptical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention is mounted on an optical device suchas a cell phone.

An optical unit 100 (optical unit with a shake correction function)shown in FIG. 1 is a thin camera which is used in an optical device 1000such as a cell phone and is mounted in a supported state by a chassis2000 (device main body) of the optical device 1000. In the optical unit100, when a shake such as a hand shake is occurred in the optical device1000 at the time of photographing, disturbance occurs in a photographedimage. Therefore, in the optical unit 100 in this embodiment, asdescribed below, a movable module 10 including an optical module 1 whoseoptical axis “L” is extended along a “Z”-axis direction is swingablysupported in an inside of a fixed body 20. Further, the optical unit 100includes a shake correction drive mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1)structured to swing the movable module 10 based on a detected result ofa hand shake detected by a gyroscope (shake detection sensor) mounted onthe optical unit 100. Flexible circuit boards 1800 and 1900 are extendedfrom the optical unit 100 for supplying power and the like to theoptical module 1 and the shake correction drive mechanism. The flexiblecircuit boards 1800 and 1900 are electrically connected with a hostcontrol section and the like provided on a main body side of the opticaldevice 1000. In the movable module 10, the optical module 1 includes alens 1 a as an optical element whose optical axis “L” is extended alongthe “Z”-axis direction. In this embodiment, when viewed in a directionof the optical axis “L”, the lens 1 a is formed in a circular shape butthe movable module 10 and the optical module 1 are formed in rectangularshapes.

(Schematic Structure of Optical Unit 100)

FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) are explanatory views showing an optical unit 100with a shake correction function in accordance with a first embodimentof the present invention which is viewed from an object to bephotographed side (the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction). FIG.2(A) is a perspective view showing the optical unit 100 which is viewedfrom an object side and FIG. 2(B) is an exploded perspective viewshowing the optical unit 100. FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) are explanatory viewsshowing the optical unit 100 with a shake correction function inaccordance with the first embodiment of the present invention which isviewed from an opposite side to an object to be photographed side (oneside “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction). FIG. 3(A) is a perspective viewshowing the optical unit 100 which is viewed from an opposite side to anobject side and FIG. 3(B) is an exploded perspective view showing theoptical unit 100. FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are explanatory cross-sectionalviews showing the optical unit 100 with a shake correction function inaccordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4(A)is a “Y-Z” cross-sectional view showing the optical unit 100 and FIG.4(B) is a “Z-X” cross-sectional view showing the optical unit 100. FIG.5 is an exploded perspective view showing an inside of the optical unit100 with a shake correction function in detail in accordance with thefirst embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4(A), portions of afirst belt-shaped part 1860 corresponding to a second belt-shaped part1870 are indicated by using reference signs with a parenthesis.

In FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) andFIG. 5, the optical unit 100 in this embodiment includes a fixed body20, a movable module 10, a gimbal mechanism 30 (see FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B))as a support mechanism which supports the movable module 10 in aswingable state with respect to the fixed body 20, and a shakecorrection drive mechanism 500 (see FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B)) structured togenerate a magnetic-drive force between the movable module 10 and thefixed body 20 for relatively displacing the movable module 10 withrespect to the fixed body 20.

The fixed body 20 includes a case 1200. The case 1200 is provided with abody part 1210 in a rectangular tube shape surrounding the movablemodule 10 and an end plate part 1220 in a rectangular frame shape whichis protruded to an inner side in a radial direction from an end part onthe other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the body part 1210. Arectangular window 1221 is formed in the end plate part 1220. Further,the fixed body 20 includes a cover 1600 which is fixed to the case 1200on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction and a cover sheet 1700which is fixed to the cover 1600 on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axisdirection. The cover 1600 is provided with a plate-shaped frame part1610 which is overlapped with the end plate part 1220 of the case 1200and a side plate part 1620 in a rectangular tube shape which is bent toone side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction from an inner circumferentialedge of the frame part 1610. The side plate part 1620 is inserted intoan inner side of the case 1200 through an opening part 1221 of the case1200. Four corner portions of an end part on one side “+Z” in the“Z”-axis direction of the side plate part 1620 are formed withtriangular plate-shaped connecting parts 1630 and the connecting part1630 is formed with a hole 1632 for fixing a rectangular frame 25described below. In this embodiment, the cover sheet 1700 is formed witha window 1710 for guiding light from an object to be photographed to theoptical module 1.

(Structure of Shake Correction Drive Mechanism 500)

As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) and FIG. 5, the shake correction drivemechanism 500 is a magnetic-drive mechanism which utilizes plate-shapedmagnets 520 and coils 560. The coils 560 are held by the movable module10 and the magnets 520 are held by inner faces of four side plate parts1211, 1212, 1213 and 1214 of the body part 1210 of the case 1200. Inthis embodiment, an outer face side and an inner face side of the magnet520 are magnetized in different poles from each other. Further, thepermanent magnet 520 is divided into two magnet pieces in the opticalaxis “L” direction and the faces of the magnet pieces facing the coil560 are magnetized in different poles from each other in the opticalaxis “L” direction. Therefore, upper and lower long side portions of thecoil 560 are utilized as effective sides. In this embodiment,magnetizing patterns on outer face sides and inner face sides of thefour magnets 520 are the same as each other. Therefore, the magnets 520adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction are not attractedto each other and thus assembling is easily performed.

The case 1200 is structured of magnetic material and functions as a yokefor the magnets 520. The end plate part 1220 of the case 1200 is formedwith a window 1221 whose opening edge is located on an outer side in aradial direction with respect to the faces of the magnets 520 facing thecoils 560 when viewed in the “Z”-axis direction. Therefore, magneticlines of force of the magnet 520 is suppressed from being directed tothe end plate part 1220 of the case 1200 (yoke) on a front side in theoptical axis “L” direction.

(Structure of Movable Module 10)

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a disassembled state ofthe movable module 10 of the optical unit 100 with a shake correctionfunction in accordance with the first embodiment of the presentinvention which is viewed from an object side (the other side “−Z” inthe “Z”-axis direction). FIGS. 7(A), 7(B) and 7(C) are explodedperspective views showing the optical module 1 and the like used in themovable module 10 shown in FIG. 6 which are viewed from an object side(the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction). FIG. 7(A) is anexploded perspective view showing a state in which the optical module 1and a flexible circuit board 1800 are disassembled, FIG. 7(B) is anexploded perspective view showing a state in which the optical module 1and the like are further disassembled, and FIG. 7(C) is an explanatoryview showing an imaging element 1 b and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the movable module10 includes the optical module 1 having a lens 1 a (optical element) anda weight 5. The optical module 1 includes a holder 4 which holds thelens 1 a and a frame 1110 which holds the holder 4.

In FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), FIGS. 5 and 6, and FIGS. 7(A), 7(B) and 7(C),the holder 4 is, for example, provided with a main body part 101 havinga rectangular parallelepiped shape and a cylindrical tube part 102 whichis protruded to the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction from themain body part 101. The lens 1 a and an actuator (not shown) forfocusing driving are provided in an inside of the holder 4. Further, acircuit module 1090 for photographing is provided at an end part on oneside “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the main body part 101 and thecircuit module 1090 for photographing includes a flexible mountingcircuit board 103 which is bent in a “U”-shape. In the mounting circuitboard 103, an imaging element 1 b is mounted on a face of a portion 103a located on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction which facesthe other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction. Further, a plug 105 of a“b-to-b” connector is mounted on a face of a portion 103 b located onone side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction which faces the other side “−Z”.In the mounting circuit board 103, a reinforcing plate 107 is adhesivelyfixed to a face of the portion 103 a located on the other side “−Z” inthe “Z”-axis direction which faces one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axisdirection, and a reinforcing plate 108 is adhesively fixed to a face ofthe portion 103 b located on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis directionwhich faces one side “+Z”.

In the optical module 1 structured as described above, the holder 4 isheld on an inner side of a frame 1110 described below and, in thisstate, the holder 4 is covered by a protection plate 109 from one side“+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction. The protection plate 109 is providedwith a rectangular end plate part 109 a which covers the frame 1110 fromone side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction, and a side plate part 109 bwhich is protruded to the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction fromthree sides except one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction of four sidesof the rectangular end plate part 109 a.

(Structure of Signal Outputting Flexible Circuit Board 1800)

FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) are explanatory views showing flexible circuitboards of the optical unit 100 with a shake correction function inaccordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8(A)is a side view showing flexible circuit boards and the like which areviewed from one side “+X” in the “X”-axis direction, and FIG. 8(B) is abottom view showing the flexible circuit boards and the like which areviewed from one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction.

As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), FIGS. 5 and 6, FIGS. 7(A), 7(B) and7(C), and FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), a signal outputting flexible circuitboard 1800 for outputting a signal obtained by the imaging element 1 bis connected with the optical module 1. In a case that an actuator (notshown) for focusing driving is provided in an inside of the opticalmodule 1, a drive current is supplied to the actuator through theflexible circuit board 1800.

The flexible circuit board 1800 is provided with a first connected part1810 in a rectangular shape which is disposed between the portion 103 bof the mounting circuit board 103 located on one side “+Z” in the“Z”-axis direction and the portion 103 a located on the other side “−Z”,a curved part 1820 which is curved toward a rear side in the opticalaxis “L” direction (one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction) at an endpart on the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction of the firstconnected part 1810, a second connected part 1830 in a rectangular shapewhich is connected with the curved part 1820 on one side “+Y” in the“Y”-axis direction, and a leading-around part 1840 which is led out fromthe second connected part 1830 to an outer side.

A face of the first connected part 1810 which faces one side “+Z” in the“Z”-axis direction is mounted with a socket 115 structured to engagewith a plug 105. Further, a connector 117 is mounted on a face on oneside “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of an end part 1880 on one side “+Y”in the “Y”-axis direction of the leading-around part 1840. Therefore, asignal obtained in the imaging element 1 b is outputted through themounting circuit board 103, the “b-to-b” connector (plug 105 and socket115), the flexible circuit board 1800 and the connector 117. Areinforcing plate 118 is adhesively fixed to a face on the other side“−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the end part 1880.

A face on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the secondconnected part 1830 of the flexible circuit board 1800 is fixed to aface on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the protection plate109 by an adhesive. Therefore, a rear side end face 17 in the opticalaxis “L” direction (end face on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction)of the movable module 10 is structured of the face on one side “+Z” inthe “Z”-axis direction of the second connected part 1830 of the flexiblecircuit board 1800. In this embodiment, the rear side end face 17 in theoptical axis “L” direction of the movable module 10 (face on one side“+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the second connected part 1830 of theflexible circuit board 1800) is mounted with a gyroscope 13 andelectronic components 14 such as a capacitor.

In this embodiment, the leading-around part 1840 is divided into a firstbelt-shaped part 1860 and a second belt-shaped part 1870 parallel toeach other in the “X”-axis direction by a slit 1850 extended in the“Y”-axis direction. Dimensions (width dimension) in the “X”-axisdirection of the first belt-shaped part 1860 and the second belt-shapedpart 1870 are equal to each other. Further, the width dimensions of thefirst belt-shaped part 1860 and the second belt-shaped part 1870 arelarger than a width dimension of the slit 1850.

(Structure of Frame 1110)

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the frame 1110 and thelike used in the movable module 10 shown in FIG. 6 which are viewed froman object side (the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction). FIGS.10(A) and 10(B) are explanatory views showing a gimbal mechanism and thelike which are used in the optical unit 100 with a shake correctionfunction in accordance with the first embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 10(A) is an exploded perspective view showing a gimbalmechanism and the like which is viewed from an object side (the otherside “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction) and FIG. 10(B) is an explanatoryview showing supporting points of the gimbal mechanism.

As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), FIGS. 5 and 6, FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B),FIG. 9 and FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B), the frame 1110 structures an outerperipheral portion of the movable module 10. The frame 1110 isschematically provided with a holder holding part 1120 in a tube shapewhich holds the holder 4 on its inner side and a flange part 1130 havinglarge thickness which is enlarged from an end part on one side “+Z” inthe “Z”-axis direction of the holder holding part 1120.

As shown in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B), a movable frame arrangement space1140 where a movable frame 32 of the gimbal mechanism 30 is disposed anda coil holding part 1150 which holds the coils 560 on an outer side withrespect to the movable frame arrangement space 1140 are provided on anouter side in the radial direction with respect to the holder holdingpart 1120 of the frame 1110. The coil holding part 1150 is structured ofa portion which is protruded toward the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axisdirection from an outer side edge of the flange part 1130 on an outerside in the radial direction with respect to the movable framearrangement space 1140. The coil holding part 1150 is formed at fourpositions in a circumferential direction. In this embodiment, in thefour coil holding parts 1150, the coil holding parts 1150 located in the“X”-axis direction are divided into two protruded parts in the “Y”-axisdirection and the coil holding parts 1150 located in the “Y”-axisdirection are divided into two protruded parts in the “X”-axisdirection. The coil 560 is an air-core coil and is adhesively bonded tothe coil holding part 1150 in a state that the coil holding part 1150 isfitted to an opening part of the air-core coil. In this state, a part ofthe coil holding part 1150 is protruded from an outer face of the coil560 (coil face which faces the magnet 520).

(Structure of Flexible Circuit Board 1900 for Power Feeding)

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9, in the movable module 10, an end part onone side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the movable module 10 isconnected with a flexible circuit board 1900 for feeding power to thecoils 560. The flexible circuit board 1900 is provided with arectangular frame portion 1910, which is extended along an outer sideedge of the frame 1110 on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of theframe 1110, and a leading-around part 1920 in a belt shape which isextended from the rectangular frame portion 1910. The four coils 560 areconnected with the rectangular frame portion 1910.

In this embodiment, a width dimension of the leading-out part 1920 isslightly smaller than a width dimension of the slit 1850 of the flexiblecircuit board 1800. When viewed in the “Z”-axis direction, theleading-around part 1920 is extended on an inner side of the slit 1850and is connected with the end part 1880 of the flexible circuit board1800. Therefore, power feeding to the coils 560 is performed through theconnector 117. Further, a width dimension of the leading-around part1920 is smaller than the width dimensions of the first belt-shaped part1860 and the second belt-shaped part 1870.

(Detailed Structure of Fixed Body 20)

As shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), FIGS. 4(A) and4(B) and FIG. 5, the fixed body 20 includes a first bottom plate 1400 ina rectangular shape which covers one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis directionof the case 1200. In this embodiment, the first bottom plate 1400 isformed with an opening part 1410 for extending the leading-around part1840 of the flexible circuit board 1800 and the leading-around part 1920of the flexible circuit board 1900 to an outer side. The opening part1410 is covered by a second bottom plate 1500 which is overlapped withthe first bottom plate 1400 from one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axisdirection. The first bottom plate 1400 is provided with a bottom platepart 1420 in a rectangular shape and a side plate part 1440 which isprotruded toward the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction from foursides of the bottom plate part 1420.

Further, the fixed body 20 includes a plate-shaped stopper 1300 in arectangular frame shape which is disposed so as to surround the movablemodule 10. In this embodiment, a portion located on an inner peripheralside of the plate-shaped stopper 1300 is overlapped with a portion ofthe frame 1110 of the movable module 10 where the rectangular frameportion 1910 of the flexible circuit board 1900 is adhesively bonded onone side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction. Therefore, the plate-shapedstopper 1300 restricts a movable range of the movable module 10 to oneside “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction.

An outer circumferential edge of each side of the plate-shaped stopper1300 is formed with a protruded part 1310 which is protruded toward anouter side. Therefore, when the first bottom plate 1400 and the case1200 are overlapped in the “Z” direction, the protruded parts 1310 ofthe plate-shaped stopper 1300 are held between the side plate part 1440of the first bottom plate 1400 and the side plate parts 1211, 1212, 1213and 1214 of the case 1200. Accordingly, when the side plate part 1440 ofthe first bottom plate 1400, the side plate parts 1211, 1212, 1213 and1214 of the case 1200, and the protruded parts 1310 of the plate-shapedstopper 1300 are joined to each other by welding or the like, the firstbottom plate 1400, the plate-shaped stopper 1300 and the case 1200 areintegrated with each other.

(Structure of Gimbal Mechanism 30)

In the optical unit 100 in this embodiment, in order to correct a shakeof hand, the movable module 10 is required to be swingably supportedaround a first axial line “L1” (see FIG. 2(A)) intersecting the opticalaxis “L” direction and the movable module 10 is required to be swingablysupported around a second axial line “L2” (see FIG. 2(A)) intersectingthe optical axis “L” direction and the first axial line “L1”. Therefore,a gimbal mechanism 30 (support mechanism) described below is structuredbetween the movable module 10 and the fixed body 20.

As shown in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B), in this embodiment, in order tostructure the gimbal mechanism 30, a movable frame 32 is used which isformed in a rectangular shape and is fixed to the cover 1600 (see FIG.2(B)) through the rectangular frame 25. The movable frame 32 is providedwith a first corner part 321, a second corner part 322, a third cornerpart 323 and a fourth corner part 324 around the optical axis “L”. Themovable frame 32 is provided with a first connecting part 326, a secondconnecting part 327, a third connecting part 328 and a fourth connectingpart 329 between the first corner part 321 and the second corner part322, between the second corner part 322 and the third corner part 323,between the third corner part 323 and the fourth corner part 324, andbetween the fourth corner part 324 and the first corner part 321. Inthis embodiment, the first connecting part 326, the second connectingpart 327, the third connecting part 328 and the fourth connecting part329 are provided with meandering parts 326 a, 327 a, 328 a and 329 awhich are curved in a direction perpendicular to each of their extendeddirections and the “Z”-axis direction.

In this embodiment, a metal ball 38 is fixed to inner sides of the firstcorner part 321, the second corner part 322, the third corner part 323and the fourth corner part 324 of the movable frame 32 by welding or thelike. The ball 38 structures a protruded part whose hemispheric convexface is directed toward an inner side in the radial direction.

Further, the end plate part 1220 of the case 1200 (fixed body 20) isfixed with the cover 1600 and the rectangular frame 25 is fixed to theconnecting part 1630 of the cover 1600. The rectangular frame 25 isprovided with a first corner part 251, a second corner part 252, a thirdcorner part 253 and a fourth corner part 254 around the optical axis U.The rectangular frame 25 is provided with a first side part 256 betweenthe first corner part 251 and the second corner part 252, a second sidepart 257 between the second corner part 252 and the third corner part253, a third side part 258 between the third corner part 253 and thefourth corner part 254, and a fourth side part 259 between the fourthcorner part 254 and the first corner part 251. The first corner part251, the second corner part 252, the third corner part 253 and thefourth corner part 254 are formed with protruded parts 251 a, 252 a, 253a and 254 a which are protruded toward the other side “−Z” in the“Z”-axis direction. The rectangular frame 25 is fixed to the cover 1600in a state that the protruded parts 251 a, 252 a, 253 a and 254 a arefitted to the holes 1632 formed in the connecting parts 1630 of thecover 1600.

The rectangular frame 25 is provided with support plate parts 255 whichare protruded to one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction (the other sidein the optical axis “L” direction) from the second corner part 252 andthe fourth corner part 254. In this embodiment, an outer side face inthe radial direction of the support plate part 255 is formed with wallfaces 255 a and 255 b which are facing each other on both sides in thecircumferential direction, and a wall face 255 c which faces one side“+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction. Therefore, a recessed part is formedbetween the wall faces 255 a and 255 b so as to open toward an outerside in the radial direction.

A plate-shaped member 33 which is bent in an “L”-shape is fixed betweenthe wall faces 255 a and 255 b. In this embodiment, the plate-shapedmember 33 is provided with a first plate part 331 extended in the“Z”-axis direction and a second plate part 332 which is bent toward anouter side in the radial direction at an end part on one side “+Z” inthe “Z”-axis direction of the first plate part 331. The first plate part331 is fixed to the wall face 255 c and the wall faces 255 a and 255 bof the support plate part 255 formed in the rectangular frame 25.Therefore, in each of the second corner part 252 and the fourth cornerpart 254 of the rectangular frame 25, a recessed part which opens towardan outer side in the radial direction is formed so as to be surroundedby the second plate part 332 of the plate-shaped member 33 and the wallfaces 255 a, 255 b and 255 c of the support plate part 255. The firstplate part 331 of the plate-shaped member 33 is located on an inner sidein the radial direction of the recessed part. In this embodiment, anouter side face in the radial direction of the first plate part 331 isformed with a receiving part 330 which is recessed in a hemisphericshape.

Further, on an outer peripheral side of the holder holding part 1120 ofthe frame 1110 which is protruded toward the other side “−Z” in the“Z”-axis direction (one side in the optical axis “L” direction) from oneside “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction (the other side in the optical axis“L” direction), recessed parts 1160 are formed on one side “+X” in the“X”-axis direction and the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction,and on the other side “−X” in the “X”-axis direction and one side “+Y”in the “Y”-axis direction.

In this embodiment, a plate-shaped member 34 which is bent in an “L”shape is fixed so as to close the recessed part 1160 from the outer sidein the radial direction. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped member 34is provided with a first plate part 341 extended in the “Z”-axisdirection and a second plate part 342 which is bent toward an outer sidein the radial direction at an end part on the other side “−Z” in the“Z”-axis direction of the first plate part 341. In this embodiment, areceiving part 340 which is recessed in a hemispheric shape is formed onan outer side face in the radial direction of the first plate part 341.

The movable module 10 is swingably supported around the first axial line“L1” intersecting the optical axis “L” direction and is swingablysupported around the second axial line “L2” intersecting the opticalaxis “L” direction and the first axial line “L1” by using therectangular frame 25, the movable frame 32, the balls 38, theplate-shaped members 33 and 34 and the flame 1110 structured asdescribed above. More specifically, in the swing support part betweenthe second corner part 322 of the movable frame 32 and the second cornerpart 252 of the rectangular frame 25 and, in the swing support partbetween the fourth corner part 324 of the movable frame 32 and thefourth corner part 254 of the rectangular frame 25, the plate-shapedmembers 33 are located on the inner sides of the second corner part 322and the fourth corner part 324 of the movable frame 32 and thus theballs 38 are supported by the receiving parts 330. As a result, thesecond corner part 322 and the fourth corner part 324 of the movableframe 32 located on the first axial line “L1” are swingably supported bythe second corner part 252 and the fourth corner part 254 of therectangular frame 25 (fixed body 20).

Further, in the swing support part between the first corner part 321 ofthe movable frame 32 and the frame 1110 and, in the swing support partbetween the third corner part 323 of the movable frame 32 and the frame1110, the plate-shaped members 34 provided in the frame 1110 are locatedon the inner sides of the first corner part 321 and the third cornerpart 323 of the movable frame 32 and the balls 38 are supported by thereceiving parts 340. As a result, the first corner part 321 and thethird corner part 323 of the movable frame 32 located on the secondaxial line “L2” swingably support the frame 1110 (movable module 10).

As described above, the movable module 10 is swingably supported by thefixed body 20 around the first axial line “L1” and around the secondaxial line “L2” through the movable frame 32 used in the gimbalmechanism 30.

In this embodiment, each of the movable frame 32 and the plate-shapedmembers 33 and 34 is located at the same height position (the sameposition in the “Z”-axis direction) as the coil holding parts 1150.Therefore, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis“L” direction, the gimbal mechanism 30 is provided at a positionoverlapped with the shake correction drive mechanism 500. Especially inthis embodiment, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the opticalaxis “L” direction, the gimbal mechanism 30 is provided at a positionoverlapping with the center in the “Z”-axis direction of the shakecorrection drive mechanism 500.

In this embodiment, the movable frame 32 is structured of metal materialor the like having elasticity and the movable frame 32 is provided withelasticity which is not resiliently bent by the own weight of themovable module 10 but, when an impact is applied from an outer side, theimpact can be absorbed. Further, the first connecting part 326, thesecond connecting part 327, the third connecting part 328 and the fourthconnecting part 329 of the movable frame 32 are respectively capable ofbeing elastically deformed to the inner sides and outer sides.Therefore, the balls 38 and the receiving parts 330 and 340 areelastically contacted with each other in all of the first corner part321, the second corner part 322, the third corner part 323 and thefourth corner part 324 by elasticities of the first connecting part 326,the second connecting part 327, the third connecting part 328 and thefourth connecting part 329. Accordingly, rattling is not occurredbetween the balls 38 and the receiving parts 330 and 340.

(Structure of Plate-Shaped Spring 70)

The movable module 10 in this embodiment includes a plate-shaped spring70 which is connected with the movable module 10 and the fixed body 20to hold a posture of the movable module 10 when the shake correctiondrive mechanism 500 is set in a stopped state. In this embodiment, theplate-shaped spring 70 is a spring member which is made by forming ametal plate in a predetermined shape and is provided with a fixed bodyside connecting part 71 in a rectangular frame shape, a movable bodyside connection part 72 in a circular ring shape, and plate spring parts73 which connect the fixed body side connecting part 71 with the movablebody side connection part 72. In this embodiment, the plate spring part73 is extended from a corner portion of the fixed body side connectingpart 71 to the movable body side connection part 72 while meanderingfrom one side to the other side in a circumferential direction.

The fixed body side connecting part 71 is fixed to a face on the otherside “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the rectangular frame 25, and themovable body side connection part 72 is fixed to an end face on theother side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the holder holding part1120 of the frame 1110 by welding, an adhesive or the like. Morespecifically, the fixed body side connecting part 71 is fixed to therectangular frame 25 in a state that the protruded parts 251 a, 252 a,253 a and 254 a of the rectangular frame 25 are fitted to holes 710 ofthe fixed body side connecting part 71. Further, protruded parts 1123are formed on an end face on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axisdirection of the holder holding part 1120 and the movable body sideconnection part 72 is fixed to the holder holding part 1120 in a statethat the protruded parts 1123 are fitted to cut-out parts 720 of themovable body side connection part 72.

The gimbal mechanism 30 is provided at a position overlapping with thecenter in the “Z”-axis direction of the shake correction drive mechanism500 and, on the other hand, the plate-shaped spring 70 is located on theother side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction relative to the positionoverlapping with the center in the “Z”-axis direction of the shakecorrection drive mechanism 500.

In this embodiment, the gimbal mechanism 30 and the shake correctiondrive mechanism 500 are provided in the movable module 10 at a midwayposition in the “Z”-axis direction. Especially, in this embodiment, thegimbal mechanism 30 and the shake correction drive mechanism 500 areprovided at a middle position (center position) in the “Z”-axisdirection of the movable module 10. Further, the gimbal mechanism 30 andthe shake correction drive mechanism 500 are provided in the “Z”-axisdirection at the same position as a gravity center position in the“Z”-axis direction of the movable module 10. The position of a center ofgravity of the optical module 1 is shifted to one side “+Z” in the“Z”-axis direction relative to its middle position in the “Z”-axisdirection. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7(A), 7(B) and7(C), the movable module 10 includes a weight 5 which is attached to anend part on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the opticalmodule 1. Therefore, the gravity center position of the movable module10 in the optical axis “L” direction is shifted by the weight 5 to asupport position side by the gimbal mechanism 30 (support mechanism)relative to the gravity center position of the optical module 1.Accordingly, the gravity center position of the movable module 10 islocated at the middle position (center position) in the “Z”-axisdirection of the movable module 10 and the gimbal mechanism 30 isprovided at the same position as the gravity center position in the“Z”-axis direction.

[Detailed Structure of Weight 5 and the Like]

FIGS. 11(A), 11(B) and 11(C) are explanatory views showing the weight 5and the like which are used in the movable module shown in FIG. 6. FIG.11(A) is a perspective view showing the weight 5 viewed from a rear sidein the optical axis “L” direction (one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axisdirection), FIG. 11(B) is a cross-sectional view showing a state thatthe weight 5 is attached to the optical module 1, and FIG. 11(C) is anenlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion where the weight 5 isattached to the optical module 1.

As shown in FIGS. 11(A), 11(B) and 11(C), the weight 5 is provided witha front plate part 51, which is formed with an opening part 50 at aposition where the optical axis “L” is passed, and a tube part 52 whichis bent from an outer side edge of the front plate part 51 toward therear side in the optical axis “L” direction (one side “+Z” in the“Z”-axis direction). A front side end face 51 a in the optical axis “L”direction of the weight 5 is formed to be a flat face perpendicular tothe optical axis “L”. In this embodiment, the front plate part 51 andthe opening part 50 are formed in circular shapes and the tube part 52is formed in a cylindrical tube shape.

The weight 5 is fixed to the holder 4 so as to cover a front side endpart 1 c in the optical axis “L” direction of the optical module 1.Therefore, the front plate part 51 of the weight 5 overlaps with thefront side end part 1 c of the optical module 1 from a front side in theoptical axis “L” direction and the tube part 52 surrounds an outer sideface of the front side end part 1 c over the entire periphery.

The holder 4 of the optical module 1 includes a first holder 2 in a tubeshape holding the lens 1 a and a second holder 3 in a tube shape holdingthe first holder 2. The main body part 101 in a rectangularparallelepiped shape shown in FIGS. 7(A), 7(B) and 7(C) is structured ofa rectangular tube part 3 a of the second holder 3, and the cylindricaltube part 102 shown in FIGS. 7(A), 7(B) and 7(C) is structured of acylindrical tube part 3 b of the second holder 3. A part of the firstholder 2 is protruded to a front side in the optical axis “L” directionfrom the front end face 3 c of the cylindrical tube part 3 b of thesecond holder 3 and the front side end part 1 c of the optical module 1is structured of a portion 2 a of the first holder 2 which is protrudedfrom the second holder 3 to a front side in the optical axis “L”direction. The first holder 2 is held by the second holder 3 through,for example, a male screw 2 e formed on an outer peripheral face of thefirst holder 2 and a female screw 3 e formed on an inner peripheral faceof the second holder 3. In the drawing, only one piece of the lens 1 ais held in the first holder 2, but in this embodiment, a plurality oflenses, a diaphragm and the like (not shown) are held in the firstholder 2.

The weight 5 is fixed to the holder 4 of the optical module 1 structuredas described above, in other words, the rear side end part 52 a in theoptical axis “L” direction of the tube part 52 is fixed to the front endface 3 c of the second holder 3 by using an adhesive or the like so thata gap space “G” is provided between the front side end part 2 a and thefront plate part 51 and between the front side end part 2 a and the tubepart 52. Therefore, the weight 5 is not contacted with the first holder2.

In this embodiment, the weight 5 is made of nonmagnetic metal and is,for example, made of brass. Therefore, a magnetic attraction force isnot generated between the weight 5 and the magnets 520. In thisembodiment, in a case that light is incident into the optical module 1from a front side in the optical axis “L” direction, when the lightreflected by the weight 5 is incident into the optical module 1, thelight becomes stray light to degrade the quality of an image. Therefore,in this embodiment, at least a front side edge 50 a of the opening part50 of the weight 5 is structured to provide with an antireflectionproperty. For example, processing of black coating is performed on thefront side edge 50 a of the opening part 50 of the weight 5. In thisembodiment, processing of black coating is performed on the entire innerperipheral face 50 b in addition to the edge 50 a of the opening part 50of the weight 5. In accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention, black coating or coating of black resin may be processed onthe entire surface of the weight 5.

(Structure and Basic Operation of Shake Correction Drive Mechanism 500and the Like)

In the optical unit 100 structured as described above, when the opticaldevice 1000 shown in FIG. 1 is shaken, the shake is detected by thegyroscope 13 and a control IC (not shown) controls the shake correctiondrive mechanism 500. In other words, a drive current for canceling theshake detected by the gyroscope 13 is supplied to the coils 560. In thiscase, an electric current is supplied to a part (parts) of the fourcoils 560 and the electric current is not supplied to other coils 560.Alternatively, all of the four coils 560 are supplied with electriccurrents but the balance of the electric currents supplied to the fourcoils 560 is controlled. As a result, the movable module 10 is swungaround the first axial line “L1” or around the second axial line “L2”and the shake of hand is corrected. Alternatively, the movable module 10is swung around the first axial line “L1” and is swung around the secondaxial line “L2” and the shake of hand is corrected.

(Leading-Around Structure of Flexible Circuit Boards 1800 and 1900)

As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), in the optical unit 100 in thisembodiment, the bottom plate part 1420 of the first bottom plate 1400 isformed with an opening part 1410. The leading-around part 1840 of theflexible circuit board 1800 and the leading-around part 1920 of theflexible circuit board 1900 connected with the movable module 10 areextended to an outer side of the optical unit 100 through the openingpart 1410. In the present invention, “the first flexible circuit board”,“the second flexible circuit board” and “the third flexible circuitboard” correspond to the first belt-shaped part 1860, the secondbelt-shaped part 1870 and the leading-around part 1920 as describedbelow.

The first belt-shaped part 1860=the first flexible circuit board

The second belt-shaped part 1870=the second flexible circuit board

The leading-around part 1920=the third flexible circuit board

As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) and FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), the flexiblecircuit board 1800 is led out from one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axisdirection relative to the optical axis “L” in a rear side end face 17 ofthe movable module 10 in the optical axis “L” direction. In thisembodiment, the flexible circuit board 1800 is led out from an end parton one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction in the rear side end face 17of the movable module 10 in the optical axis “L” direction and aboundary portion between the second connected part 1830 and theleading-around part 1840 is a leading-out part. In this embodiment, theleading-around part 1840 is divided into the first belt-shaped part 1860and the second belt-shaped part 1870. Both of the leading-out part 1861of the first belt-shaped part 1860 and the leading-out part 1871 of thesecond belt-shaped part 1870 are located in the boundary portion betweenthe second connected part 1830 and the leading-around part 1840.

The first belt-shaped part 1860 is provided with a first extended part1862 which is extended from the leading-out part 1861 to the other side“−Y” relative to the optical axis “L” in the “Y”-axis direction, a firstcurved part 1863 which is curved from a tip end side of the firstextended part 1862 toward a rear side in the optical axis direction (oneside “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction), and a second extended part 1864which is extended from the first curved part 1863 toward one side “+Y”in the “Y”-axis direction. Further, the first belt-shaped part 1860 isprovided with a second curved part 1866, which is curved from theleading-out part 1861 toward a rear side in the optical axis direction(one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction), between the leading-out part1861 and the first extended part 1862. The first extended part 1862 isextended from the second curved part 1866 in a state that the firstextended part 1862 faces the rear side end face 17 in the optical axis“L” direction of the movable module 10 in parallel through a gap space.

A plate-shaped spacer 18 is fixed to the rear side end face 17 of themovable module 10 on one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction relative tothe optical axis “L” with an adhesive and the spacer 18 is disposedbetween the rear side end face 17 and the first extended part 1862. Inthis embodiment, the spacer 18 is a plate member formed in asubstantially rectangular shape and a face on the other side “−Z” in the“Z”-axis direction of the spacer 18 is formed with recessed parts 182which function as an adhesive reservoir when the spacer 18 is adhesivelybonded to the rear side end face 17 of the movable module 10 with anadhesive. Further, a face on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction ofthe spacer 18 is formed with recessed parts 181 which function as anadhesive reservoir when the spacer 18 is adhesively bonded to the firstbelt-shaped part 1860, the second belt-shaped part 1870 and theleading-around part 1920 with an adhesive.

In this embodiment, a gyroscope 13 is fixed to the rear side end face 17of the movable module 10 on an extended line of the optical axis “L”. Adimension in the “Z”-axis direction (thickness dimension) of thegyroscope 13 is smaller than that of the spacer 18. Therefore, a gapspace is provided between the gyroscope 13 and the first extended part1862. Further, the gyroscope 13 is disposed at a position adjacent tothe spacer 18 on the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction. Thespacer 18 is formed with a recessed part 185 on the other side “−Y” inthe “Y”-axis direction and a part of the gyroscope 13 is located on aninner side of the recessed part 185 of the spacer 18. Therefore, thegyroscope 13 can be disposed on the extended line of the optical axis U.

The second extended part 1864 is extended to an outer side from itsmidway position through the opening part 1410 of the first bottom plate1400 and is fixed to a face on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis directionof the first bottom plate 1400 on one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axisdirection relative to the optical axis “L”. In this embodiment, thesecond extended part 1864 of the first belt-shaped part 1860 is fixed tothe first bottom plate 1400 with a flexible sheet 19 such as adouble-sided adhesive tape and the fixed position corresponds to a fixedpart 1865 to the fixed body 20. When viewed in the “Z”-axis direction,the fixed part 1865 is provided at a position overlapping with theleading-out part 1861.

Similarly to the first belt-shaped part 1860, on the other side “−X” inthe “X”-axis direction relative to the first belt-shaped part 1860, thesecond belt-shaped part 1870 is provided with a first extended part 1872which is extended from the leading-out part 1871 to the other side “−Y”in the “Y”-axis direction relative to the optical axis “L”, a firstcurved part 1873 which is curved from a tip end side of the firstextended part 1872 toward the rear side in the optical axis direction(one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction), and a second extended part1874 which is extended from the first curved part 1873 toward one side“+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction. Further, similarly to the firstbelt-shaped part 1860, the second belt-shaped part 1870 is also providedwith a second curved part 1876, which is curved from the leading-outpart 1871 toward the rear side in the optical axis direction (one side“+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction), between the leading-out part 1871 andthe first extended part 1872. The first extended part 1872 is extendedfrom the second curved part 1876 in a state that the first extended part1872 faces the rear side end face 17 in the optical axis “L” directionof the movable module 10 in parallel through a gap space. Further, thespacer 18 is disposed between the rear side end face 17 and the firstextended part 1872. Further, the second extended part 1874 is, similarlyto the second extended part 1864, extended to an outer side from itsmidway position through the opening part 1410 of the first bottom plate1400 and is fixed to the face on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis directionof the first bottom plate 1400 by using the flexible sheet 19 on oneside “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction relative to the optical axis “L”.Therefore, the fixed position by the sheet 19 corresponds to a fixedpart 1875 of the second belt-shaped part 1870 to the fixed body 20.

The leading-around part 1920 is led out from the rear side in theoptical axis “L” direction of the frame 1110. Similarly to the firstbelt-shaped part 1860 and the second belt-shaped part 1870, at aposition interposed between the first belt-shaped part 1860 and thesecond belt-shaped part 1870 in the “X”-axis direction, theleading-around part 1920 is provided with a first extended part 1922which is extended from the leading-out part 1921 to the other side “−Y”in the “Y”-axis direction relative to the optical axis “L”, a firstcurved part 1923 which is curved from a tip end side of the firstextended part 1922 toward the rear side in the optical axis direction(one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction), and a second extended part1924 which is extended from the first curved part 1923 toward one side“+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction. Further, the leading-around part 1920is, similarly to the first belt-shaped part 1860 and the secondbelt-shaped part 1870, also provided with a second curved part 1926,which is curved from the leading-out part 1921 toward the rear side inthe optical axis direction (one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction),between the leading-out part 1921 and the first extended part 1922. Thefirst extended part 1922 is extended from the second curved part 1926 ina state that the first extended part 1922 faces the rear side end face17 in the optical axis “L” direction of the movable module 10 inparallel through a gap space. Further, the spacer 18 is disposed betweenthe rear side end face 17 and the first extended part 1922. Further, thesecond extended part 1924 is, similarly to the second extended parts1864 and 1874, extended to an outer side from its midway positionthrough the opening part 1410 of the first bottom plate 1400 and isfixed to the face on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of thefirst bottom plate 1400 by using the flexible sheet 19 on one side “+Y”in the “Y”-axis direction relative to the optical axis “L”. Therefore,the fixed position by the sheet 19 corresponds to a fixed part 1925 ofthe leading-around part 1920 to the fixed body 20.

In this embodiment, when viewed in the “Z”-axis direction, the firstcurved parts 1863 and 1923 of the first belt-shaped part 1860 and theleading-around part 1920 are located at different positions in the“Y”-axis direction, and the first curved part 1863 is located on theother side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction relative to the first curvedpart 1923. Further, when viewed in the “Z”-axis direction, the firstcurved parts 1873 and 1923 of the second belt-shaped part 1870 and theleading-around part 1920 are located at different positions in the“Y”-axis direction, and the first curved part 1873 is located on theother side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction relative to the first curvedpart 1923. Further, the first curved parts 1863 and 1873 of the firstbelt-shaped part 1860 and the second belt-shaped part 1870 are locatedat the same position as each other in the “Y”-axis direction.

Therefore, in the first belt-shaped part 1860 and the second belt-shapedpart 1870 whose width dimensions are equal to each other, the lengthdimensions from the leading-out parts 1861 and 1871 to the fixed parts1865 and 1875 are the same as each other. Further, when the firstbelt-shaped part 1860 (the second belt-shaped part 1870) and theleading-around part 1920 whose width dimensions are different from eachother are compared with each other, the length dimension of the firstbelt-shaped part 1860 (second belt-shaped part 1870) having a largerwidth dimension from the leading-out part 1861 (leading-out part 1871)to the fixed part 1865 (fixed part 1875) is longer than the lengthdimension of the leading-around part 1920 from the leading-out part 1921to the fixed part 1925.

(Principal Effects in this Embodiment)

As described above, in the optical unit 100 in this embodiment, thegimbal mechanism 30 (support mechanism) is provided at a midway positionin the “Z”-axis direction of the movable module 10, and the movablemodule 10 is swung with the midway position in the “Z”-axis direction ofthe movable module 10 as a swing center. Therefore, even when themovable module 10 is swung by the same angle, the maximum values ofdisplacement amounts of the movable module 10 in the “X”-axis directionand the “Y”-axis direction are smaller on a front side in the opticalaxis direction than those of a structure that the movable module 10 isswung with the rear side in the optical axis direction as a swingcenter. Accordingly, a large space in a direction perpendicular to theoptical axis “L” direction is not required to secure around the movablemodule 10 and thus the size of the optical unit 100 in the directionperpendicular to the optical axis “L” direction can be reduced.

In a case that the movable module 10 is swung with a midway position inthe “Z”-axis direction of the movable module 10 as a swing center, adisplacement amount of the movable module 10 is larger on the rear sidein the optical axis direction than that of a structure that the movablemodule 10 is swung with the rear side in the optical axis direction as aswing center. Therefore, displacement amounts of the leading-aroundparts 1840 and 1920 of the flexible circuit boards 1800 and 1900provided on the rear side in the optical axis direction of the movablemodule 10 also become larger. However, according to this embodiment, theflexible circuit boards 1800 and 1900 are provided with the firstextended parts 1862, 1872 and 1922, which are extended from theleading-out parts 1861, 1871 and 1921 located on one side “+Y” in the“Y”-axis direction relative to the optical axis “L” to the other side“−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction relative to the optical axis “L”, thefirst curved parts 1863, 1873 and 1923 curved from the tip end sides ofthe first extended parts 1862, 1872 and 1922 toward the rear side in theoptical axis direction, and the second extended parts 1864, 1874 and1924 extended from the first curved parts 1863, 1873 and 1923 toward oneside “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction. Further, in the second extendedparts 1864, 1874 and 1924, the fixed parts 1865, 1875 and 1925 connectedwith the fixed body 20 are located on one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axisdirection relative to the optical axis U. Therefore, the dimensions ofthe flexible circuit boards 1800 and 1900 from the leading-out parts1861, 1871 and 1921 to the fixed parts 1865, 1875 and 1925 are long andthus, when the movable module 10 is swung, forces applied to the movablemodule 10 from the flexible circuit boards 1800 and 1900 are small.Accordingly, the movable module 10 is swung appropriately and thus ashake such as a hand shake can be corrected appropriately.

Further, when viewed in the “Z”-axis direction, the leading-out parts1861, 1871 and 1921 are overlapped with the fixed parts 1865, 1875 and1925. Therefore, the dimensions of the flexible circuit boards 1800 and1900 from the leading-out parts 1861, 1871 and 1921 to the fixed parts1865, 1875 and 1925 are further long and thus, when the movable module10 is swung, forces applied to the movable module 10 from the flexiblecircuit boards 1800 and 1900 can be further reduced.

Further, the flexible circuit boards 1800 and 1900 are provided with thesecond curved parts 1866, 1876 and 1926 between the leading-out parts1861, 1871 and 1921 and the first extended parts 1862, 1872 and 1922.Further, the rear side end face 17 of the movable module 10 is fixedwith the spacer 18 on one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction relativeto the optical axis “L” so as to be interposed between the rear side endface 17 and the first extended parts 1862, 1872 and 1922. Therefore, thefirst extended parts 1862, 1872 and 1922 of the flexible circuit boards1800 and 1900 can be extended in postures substantially parallel withthe rear side end face 17 of the movable module 10. Accordingly, thefirst extended parts 1862, 1872 and 1922 of the flexible circuit boards1800 and 1900 and the rear side end face 17 in the optical axisdirection of the movable module are hard to interfere with each otherand thus, when the movable module 10 is swung, forces applied to themovable module 10 from the flexible circuit boards 1800 and 1900 can befurther reduced.

The gyroscope 13 is fixed to the rear side end face 17 of the movablemodule 10 and the gyroscope 13 is thinner than the spacer 18. Therefore,the flexible circuit boards 1800 and 1900 can be prevented fromcontacting with the gyroscope 13 and thus erroneous detection of a shakein the gyroscope 13 due to contact with the flexible circuit boards 1800and 1900 can be prevented.

The flexible circuit boards 1800 and 1900 are structured and extended asthe first belt-shaped part 1860, the second belt-shaped part 1870 andthe leading-around part 1920 and thus, in comparison with a case thatone flexible circuit board is used, a force applied to the movablemodule 10 from the flexible circuit board can be further reduced.Further, the first belt-shaped part 1860, the second belt-shaped part1870 and the leading-around part 1920 are shifted from each other in the“X”-axis direction and thus, when the movable module 10 is swung,impairing of followability of each of the first belt-shaped part 1860,the second belt-shaped part 1870 and the leading-around part 1920 due tocontact of the flexible circuit boards can be suppressed.

In three flexible circuit boards (the first belt-shaped part 1860, thesecond belt-shaped part 1870 and the leading-around part 1920), thewidth dimensions of the first belt-shaped part 1860 and the secondbelt-shaped part 1870 located on both sides in the “X”-axis directionare equal to each other and their length dimensions from the leading-outparts 1861 and 1871 to the fixed parts 1865 and 1875 are equal to eachother. Therefore, the forces applied to the movable module 10 from thefirst belt-shaped part 1860 and the second belt-shaped part 1870 can bebalanced in the “X”-axis direction.

When the first belt-shaped part 1860 (second belt-shaped part 1870) andthe leading-around part 1920 whose width dimensions are different fromeach other are compared, the length dimension of the first belt-shapedpart 1860 (second belt-shaped part 1870) having a larger width dimensionfrom the leading-out part 1861 (leading-out part 1871) to the fixed part1865 (fixed part 1875) is longer than the length dimension of theleading-around part 1920 from the leading-out part 1921 to the fixedpart 1925. Therefore, even when the first belt-shaped part 1860 (secondbelt-shaped part 1870) whose width dimension is larger is used, thefirst belt-shaped part 1860 (second belt-shaped part 1870) easilyfollows a swing of the movable module 10 and is easily deformed.

In three flexible circuit boards (the first belt-shaped part 1860, thesecond belt-shaped part 1870 and the leading-around part 1920), thepositions of the portions of the first curved parts 1863, 1873 and 1923adjacent to each other in the “X”-axis direction are shifted from eachother in the “Y”-axis direction. Therefore, when the movable module 10is swung, impairing of followability of each of the first belt-shapedpart 1860, the second belt-shaped part 1870 and the leading-around part1920 due to contact of the flexible circuit boards can be suppressed.

The first bottom plate 1400 is formed with the opening part 1410 forextending the second extended parts 1864, 1874 and 1924 to the rear sidein the optical axis direction. Therefore, the first belt-shaped part1860, the second belt-shaped part 1870 and the leading-around part 1920are easily fixed to the first bottom plate 1400. Further, the openingpart 1410 is covered by the second bottom plate 1500 and thus foreignmatters can be prevented from being entered.

The gimbal mechanism 30 (support mechanism) is provided at a middleposition in the “Z”-axis direction of the movable module 10 and thus,when the movable module 10 is swung, the maximum values of displacementamounts in the “X”-axis direction and the “Y”-axis direction can bereduced.

In the movable module 10, the weight 5 is provided at the front side endpart 1 c in the optical axis “L” direction of the optical module 1 andthus, in the optical axis “L” direction, the gravity center position ofthe movable module 10 is shifted to a support position side of thegimbal mechanism 30 (support mechanism) relative to the gravity centerposition of the optical module 1. Therefore, the gimbal mechanism 30(support mechanism) is provided at the same position as the gravitycenter position of the movable module 10 in the “Z”-axis direction.Accordingly, the movable module 10 is swung appropriately with arelatively small drive force and a mechanical resonance when the movablemodule 10 is swung can be suppressed and thus a shake of hand can beappropriately corrected by the movable module 10.

The weight 5 is provided on the front side end part 1 c of the opticalmodule 1 in the optical axis “L” direction. Therefore, even when themass of the rear side end part in the optical axis “L” direction of theoptical module 1 becomes larger due to the imaging element 1 b and theframe 1110 provided in the rear side end part in the optical axis “L”direction of the optical module 1, the center of gravity can be set atthe middle position in the “Z”-axis direction of the movable module 10.Accordingly, the support position of the gimbal mechanism 30 (supportmechanism) which is set at the middle position in the “Z”-axis directionof the movable module 10 and the gravity center position of the movablemodule 10 can be set at the same position as each other in the “Z”-axisdirection. In addition, the weight 5 is provided on the front side endpart 1 c in the optical axis “L” direction of the optical module 1,which is separated the most from the support position of the gimbalmechanism 30, and thus the gravity center position of the movable module10 can be shifted efficiently.

The end face 51 a of the weight 5 is formed in a flat face which isperpendicular to the optical axis “L” direction and thus the mass of theweight 5 is large in the portion which is separated the most from thesupport position of the gimbal mechanism 30. Therefore, the gravitycenter position can be effectively shifted in the optical axis “L”direction. Further, when an impact is applied from the outside, it maybe occurred that the movable module 10 is displaced to a front side inthe optical axis “L” direction and the front side end part of themovable module 10 is contacted with the fixed body 20. However, even inthis case, the weight 5 located in the front side end part of themovable module 10 is abutted with the fixed body 20. Therefore, the lens1 a can be protected. Further, the end face 51 a of the weight 5 isformed in a flat face which is perpendicular to the optical axis “L”direction and thus the weight 5 is contacted with the fixed body 20 in alarge area. Therefore, an impact applied to the movable module 10 isrelaxed.

The weight 5 is provided with the front plate part 51 and the tube part52 surrounding an outer side face of the front side end part 1 c of themovable module 10. Therefore, different from a case that the mass of theweight 5 is increased by increasing the dimension (thickness) in theoptical axis “L” direction of the front plate part 51, even when aweight 5 having large mass is attached to the optical module 1, increaseof the size in the optical axis “L” direction of the movable module 10can be suppressed to a minimum. Further, the front plate part 51 of theweight 5 is formed in a circular plate shape and the tube part 52 isformed in a cylindrical shape. Therefore, mass distribution of theweight 5 is constant entirely in the circumferential direction with theoptical axis “L” as a center. Accordingly, even in a case that themovable module 10 is swung in any direction with the optical axis “L” asa center, influence of the weight 5 is constant. Therefore, the shakecorrection drive mechanism 500 is easily controlled.

In the optical module 1, the front side end part 1 c is structured ofthe portion 2 a of the first holder 2 protruding to a front side in theoptical axis “L” direction from the second holder 3 and the weight 5 isnot contacted with the first holder 2. Therefore, even in a case that anattachment position of the first holder 2 with respect to the secondholder 3 in the optical axis “L” direction is changed for focusadjustment of the lens 1 a, the weight 5 can be provided in the sameportion. Accordingly, the gravity center position of the movable module10 can be appropriately shifted by the weight 5.

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B) are explanatory views showing a movable module 10of an optical unit 100 with a shake correction function in accordancewith a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12(A) is aperspective view showing an optical module 1 and the like of a movablemodule 10 which is viewed from an object side and FIG. 12(B) is itsexploded perspective view. FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) are explanatory viewsshowing the optical module 1 and the like shown in FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B)in detail. FIG. 13(A) is an exploded perspective view showing theoptical module 1 and the like disassembled finely and FIG. 13(B) is aperspective view showing a spacer and the like. FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B)are explanatory views showing a second curved part 1866 of a flexiblecircuit board 1800 and the like of the optical unit 100 with a shakecorrection function in accordance with the second embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 14(A) is a side view showing the second curvedpart 1866 and the like and FIG. 14(B) is a cross-sectional view showingthe second curved part 1866 and the like. Basic structures in thisembodiment are similar to the first embodiment and thus the samereference signs are used in the common portions and the description isomitted. Further, in FIG. 14(A), portions of a second belt-shaped part1870 of a flexible circuit board 1800 which correspond to a firstbelt-shaped part 1860 are indicated by using reference signs with aparenthesis.

Also in an optical unit 100 (optical unit with a shake correctionfunction) in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, themovable module 10 includes an optical module 1 having a lens 1 a(optical element). The optical module 1 is connected with a signaloutputting flexible circuit board 1800 structured to output a signalobtained by the imaging element 1 b.

The flexible circuit board 1800 is provided with a first mounting part1811 in a rectangular shape, a curved part 1820 which is curved toward arear side in the optical axis “L” direction (one side “+Z” in the“Z”-axis direction) at an end part on the other side “−Y” in the“Y”-axis direction of the first mounting part 1811, a second mountingpart 1812 in a rectangular shape which is connected with the curved part1820 on one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction, and a leading-aroundpart 1840 which is led around from the second mounting part 1812 to anouter side. An imaging element 1 b is mounted on a front side of thefirst mounting part 1811 in the optical axis “L” direction and areinforcing plate 1813 is provided on its rear side in the optical axis“L” direction. A reinforcing plate 1814 is provided on a front side ofthe second mounting part 1812 in the optical axis “L” direction and agyroscope 13 and electronic components 14 such as a capacitor aremounted on its rear side in the optical axis “L” direction. Therefore,the rear side end face 17 in the optical axis “L” direction of themovable module 10 (end face on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction)is structured of a face on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction ofthe second mounting part 1812 of the flexible circuit board 1800.

In this embodiment, the leading-around part 1840 is, similarly to thefirst embodiment, divided into a first belt-shaped part 1860 and asecond belt-shaped part 1870 parallel to each other in the “X”-axisdirection by a slit 1850 extended in the “Y”-axis direction. The firstbelt-shaped part 1860 is provided with a first extended part 1862 whichis extended from the leading-out part 1861 to the other side “−Y”relative to the optical axis “L” in the “Y”-axis direction, a firstcurved part 1863 which is curved from a tip end side of the firstextended part 1862 toward a rear side in the optical axis direction (oneside “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction), and a second extended part 1864which is extended from the first curved part 1863 toward one side “+Y”in the “Y”-axis direction. Further, the first belt-shaped part 1860 isprovided with a second curved part 1866, which is curved from theleading-out part 1861 toward a rear side in the optical axis direction(one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction), between the leading-out part1861 and the first extended part 1862. The first extended part 1862 isextended from the second curved part 1866 in a state that the firstextended part 1862 faces the rear side end face 17 in the optical axis“L” direction of the movable module 10 in parallel through a gap space.Further, the second extended part 1864 is fixed to a first bottom plate1400 with a flexible sheet 19 such as a double-sided adhesive tape andthe fixed position corresponds to a fixed part 1865 of the fixed body20. In this embodiment, when viewed in the “Z”-axis direction, the fixedpart 1865 is provided at a position overlapping with the leading-outpart 1861. The second belt-shaped part 1870 is similarly structured asdescribed above.

Also in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, aframe-shaped spacer 16 is adhesively bonded on the rear side end face 17of the movable module 10 so as to surround the gyroscope 13. The spacer16 is provided with a thick part on one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axisdirection, and the spacer 16 is provided on one side “+Y” relative tothe optical axis “L” in the “Y”-axis direction with a protruded part 160made of the thick part which is protruded to the rear side in theoptical axis direction (one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction). Inthis embodiment, a thickness in the optical axis “L” direction of thegyroscope 13 is smaller than a thickness in the optical axis “L”direction of a portion of the spacer 16 where the protruded part 160 isformed. A face of the spacer 16 on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axisdirection is formed with recessed parts 162 which function as anadhesive reservoir when the spacer 16 is adhesively bonded to the rearside end face 17 of the movable module 10 with an adhesive. Further,recessed parts 161 are formed on a face on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axisdirection of the protruded part 160 of the spacer 16.

The spacer 16 is attached with a clamp member 15 which is overlappedwith the protruded part 160 on a rear side in the optical axis “L”direction through a predetermined gap space. In this embodiment, sidefaces 164 located on both sides in the “X”-axis direction of theprotruded part 160 of the spacer 16 are formed with engagementprojections 165.

The clamp member 15 is made of a metal plate or a resin plate. The clampmember 15 is provided with a pressing part 151 in a flat plate shape,which is extended in the “X”-axis direction at a position overlappingwith a rear side of the protruded part 160 in the optical axis “L”direction, and connecting plate parts 152 which are bent from both endsof the pressing part 151 to a front side in the optical axis “L”direction. The connecting plate part 152 is formed with an engagementhole 153 to which an engagement projection 165 of the spacer 16 isfitted.

Therefore, when the engagement holes 153 of the clamp member 15 arefitted to the engagement projections 165 of the spacer 16, the clampmember 15 is fixed to the spacer 16. In this state, a wide gap space isprovided between the protruded part 160 of the spacer 16 and thepressing part 151 of the clamp member 15 and, in this embodiment, theclamp member 15 is fixed to the spacer 16 in a state that an elasticmember 150 in a flat plate shape is sandwiched between the protrudedpart 160 of the spacer 16 and the pressing part 151 of the clamp member15. In this case, the first extended part 1862 of the first belt-shapedpart 1860 of the flexible circuit board 1800 and the first extended part1872 of the second belt-shaped part 1870 are previously passed throughbetween the protruded part 160 of the spacer 16 and the elastic member150. As a result, in the first extended part 1862 of the firstbelt-shaped part 1860 of the flexible circuit board 1800 and the firstextended part 1872 of the second belt-shaped part 1870, their portionslocated on one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction are held andpositioned.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, effects similar to those of thefirst embodiment can be attained, for example, although the gyroscope 13is fixed to the rear side end face 17 of the movable module 10, thegyroscope 13 can be prevented from contacting with the first extendedparts 1862 and 1872 of the flexible circuit board 1800.

In this embodiment, in the first extended part 1862 of the firstbelt-shaped part 1860 of the flexible circuit board 1800 and the firstextended part 1872 of the second belt-shaped part 1870, their portionslocated on one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction are held by the clampmember 15 fixed to the spacer 16. Therefore, even when the second curvedparts 1866 and 1876 are provided in the first belt-shaped part 1860 andthe second belt-shaped part 1870, reaction forces of the second curvedparts 1866 and 1876 are hard to be applied to the first extended parts1862 and 1872.

The portions of the first extended parts 1862 and 1872 located on oneside “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction are held by the clamp member 15which is mechanically fixed to the spacer 16. Therefore, work requiredto take much time and trouble such as coating of an adhesive and curingof the adhesive is not required. Further, different from a case that athermosetting adhesive is used, thermal damage of the flexible circuitboard 1800 does not occur. Even in a case that wettability of theflexible circuit board 1800 for an adhesive is inferior, the firstextended parts 1862 and 1872 can be held surely.

The pressing part 151 of the clamp member 15 which holds the firstextended parts 1862 and 1872 is formed in a flat plate shape and thusthe first extended parts 1862 and 1872 are surely held over a largearea. Further, the spacer 16 is provided with the protruded part 160 andthe clamp member 15 is fixed to the spacer 16 by utilizing theengagement projections 165 formed in the protruded part 160 and theengagement holes 153 of the clamp member 15. Therefore, the clamp member15 can be easily and surely fixed to the spacer 16. Further, the clampmember 15 can be easily detached and thus redoing work for holding thefirst extended parts 1862 and 1872 can be performed.

In this embodiment, the flat plate-shaped elastic member 150 is disposedbetween the first extended parts 1862 and 1872 and the pressing part 151and thus the first extended parts 1862 and 1872 can be surely pressed onthe protruded part 160 of the spacer 16 by an elastic force of theelastic member 150. Especially, even in a case that the clamp member 15holds totaled two pieces of the first extended parts 1862 and 1872, thefirst extended parts 1862 and 1872 are held by the elastic member 150.Therefore, the two first extended parts 1862 and 1872 are held bysubstantially same forces and thus, when the movable module 10 is swung,an unbalanced force is hard to be applied from the first extended parts1862 and 1872 to the movable module 10.

Although not shown in the drawing, the first extended part 1922 of theflexible circuit board 1900 shown in FIG. 6 and the like is also held bythe clamp member 15. As a result, the clamp member 15 holds totaledthree pieces of the first extended parts 1862, 1872 and 1922. Also inthis case, the first extended parts 1862, 1872 and 1922 are held by theelastic member 150. Therefore, the three first extended parts 1862, 1872and 1922 are held by substantially same forces and thus, when themovable module 10 is swung, an unbalanced force is hard to be appliedfrom the first extended parts 1862, 1872 and 1922 to the movable module10.

Modified Examples of First and Second Embodiments

The elastic member 150 used in the second embodiment may be structuredseparately from the clamp member 15. However, the elastic member 150 maybe previously fixed to the pressing part 151 of the clamp member 15 withan adhesive or the like.

In the second embodiment, the spacer 16 is provided with the engagementprojections 165 and the connecting plate parts 152 of the clamp member15 are provided with the engagement holes 153. However, it may bestructured that the spacer 16 is provided with engagement holes and theconnecting plate parts 152 of the clamp member 15 are provided withengaging projections.

In the second embodiment, the elastic member 150 is provided between thefirst extended parts 1862 and 1872 of the flexible circuit board 1800and the pressing part 151 of the clamp member 15. However, it may bestructured that the elastic member 150 is provided between the firstextended parts 1862 and 1872 of the flexible circuit board 1800 and theprotruded part 160 of the spacer 16.

In the second embodiment, the clamp member 15 is fixed to the spacer 16.However, the clamp member 15 may be fixed to the spacer 18 described inthe first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the flexible circuit board 1800 is fixed to thespacer 18 with an adhesive. However, the flexible circuit board 1800 maybe fixed to the protruded part 160 of the spacer 16 described in thesecond embodiment with an adhesive.

[Other Structural Examples of Weight 5]

In the embodiments described above, the weight 5 is provided on thefront side end part 1 c in the optical axis “L” direction of the opticalmodule 1. However, the weight 5 may be provided on a rear side end partin the optical axis “L” direction of the optical module 1 depending on astructure of the optical module 1. For example, it may be structuredthat the spacer 18 shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B) and the like is formedin a rectangular frame shape as the weight 5 and is provided in thefront side end part 1 c in the optical axis “L” direction of the opticalmodule 1. In this case, an end face on a rear side in the optical axis“L” direction of the weight 5 is formed in a flat face which isperpendicular to the optical axis “L” direction so that mass of aportion of the weight 5 which is separated the most from the supportposition of the gimbal mechanism 30 is increased. According to thisstructure, the mass of a portion of the weight 5 which is separated themost from the support position of the gimbal mechanism 30 is large.Therefore, the gravity center position can be effectively shifted in theoptical axis “L” direction. Further, when an impact is applied from theoutside, it may be occurred that the movable module 10 is displaced to arear side in the optical axis “L” direction and a rear side end part ofthe movable module 10 is contacted with the fixed body 20. However, inthis case, the weight 5 located in the rear side end part of the movablemodule 10 is abutted with the fixed body 20. Therefore, the gyroscope 13can be protected. Further, the end face of the weight 5 is formed in aflat face perpendicular to the optical axis “L” direction and thus theweight 5 can be contacted with the fixed body 20 over a large area.Therefore, an impact applied to the movable module 10 can be relaxed.

[First Improved Example of Spacer 16]

FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) are explanatory views showing a spacer 16 in afirst improved example which is used in the optical unit with a shakecorrection function to which at least an embodiment of the presentinvention is applied.

The spacer 18 used in the first embodiment and the spacer 16 used in thesecond embodiment may be structured of material whose thermalconductivity is higher than that of the first mounting part 1811 (seeFIG. 12(B), FIG. 13(A) and the like) of the flexible circuit board 1800on which the imaging element 1 b is mounted and thereby heat generatedin the imaging element 1 b may be released through the spacers 16 and18. For example, the spacers 16 and 18 may be made of metal or resinhaving high heat radiation performance. Further, when the spacers 16 and18 are to be fixed to the rear side end face 17 of the movable module 10with an adhesive, an adhesive having high heat radiation performance isused as an adhesive for fixing.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B), it may be structuredthat through holes 168 a are formed which are extended and penetratedthrough the spacer 16 in the “Y” direction so as to open the side faces164 c and 164 d, or that through holes 168 b are formed which areextended and penetrated through the spacer 16 in the “X” direction so asto open the side faces 164 a and 164 b and, in this manner, a heatradiation acceleration part 168 is formed by the through holes 168 a and168 b. When the heat radiation acceleration part 168 is used, a heatradiation area of the spacer 16 can be increased and thus heat generatedby the imaging element 1 b can be efficiently released through thespacer 16. Further, an extending direction of the heat radiationacceleration part 168 (through holes 168 a and 168 b) is a directionintersecting the optical axis “L” and thus the through holes 168 a and168 b are hard to be closed by other members located in the optical axis“L” direction such as the first mounting part 1811 and the movablemodule 10. Therefore, the heat radiation performance of the heatradiation acceleration part 168 (through holes 168 a and 168 b) is hardto be impaired. Further, the through holes 168 b are formed at positionsseparated from the protruded part 160 and thus, even when the clampmember 15 shown in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) is attached, the through holes168 b are not closed.

In this embodiment, the through hole 168 a is provided at two positionsseparated from each other in the “X” direction and the through hole 168b is provided at one position separated from the protruded part 160 inthe “Y” direction. However, the forming position and the number of thethrough holes 168 a and 168 b may be changed depending on the shape orthe like of the spacer 16.

[Second Improved Example of Spacer 16]

FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B) are explanatory views showing a spacer 16 in asecond improved example which is used in the optical unit with a shakecorrection function to which at least an embodiment of the presentinvention is applied.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B), the heat radiationacceleration part 168 is structured of the through holes 168 a and 168b. However, as shown in FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B), it may be structured thatthe side faces 164 a and 164 b of the spacer 16 which face each other inthe “X” direction are formed with grooves 168 c extending in the “Y”direction along the side faces 164 a and 164 b and the heat radiationacceleration part 168 is formed by the grooves 168 c. When the heatradiation acceleration part 168 is provided, a heat radiation area ofthe spacer 16 can be increased and thus heat generated by the imagingelement 1 b can be efficiently released through the spacer 16. Further,an extending direction of the heat radiation acceleration part 168(groove 168 c) is a direction intersecting the optical axis “L” and thusthe through holes 168 a and 168 b are hard to be closed by other memberslocated in the optical axis “L” direction such as the first mountingpart 1811 and the movable module 10. Therefore, the heat radiationperformance of the heat radiation acceleration part 168 (groove 168 c)is hard to be impaired. Further, the heat radiation acceleration part168 (groove 168 c) is opened in the “X” direction and thus the heatradiation acceleration part 168 (groove 168 c) is hard to be closed bythe first extended part 1862 and 1872 and the like.

[Other Structural Examples of Optical Unit 100]

In the embodiment described above, at least an embodiment of the presentinvention is, as an example, applied to the optical unit 100 which isused in a cell phone with a camera. However, at least an embodiment ofthe present invention may be applied to the optical unit 100 which isused in a thin digital camera or the like.

The optical unit 100 with a shake correction function to which at leastan embodiment of the present invention is applied may be structured asan action camera or a wearable camera mounted on a helmet, a bicycle, aradio-controlled helicopter or the like. The camera is used forphotographing under a situation that a large shake may be occurred but,according to at least an embodiment of the present invention, the shakecan be corrected and thus a high quality image can be obtained.

Further, other than a cell phone, a digital camera and the like, theoptical unit 100 with a shake correction function to which at least anembodiment of the present invention is applied may be fixed and mountedin an apparatus such as a refrigerator in which vibration is occurred ina certain interval so as to be capable of being remote controlled.According to the apparatus, a service can be provided in whichinformation in the inside of the refrigerator is obtained at a visitplace, for example, at the time of shopping. In this service, the camerasystem is provided with a posture stabilizing device and thus a stableimage can be transmitted even when vibration may occur in therefrigerator. Further, this device may be fixed to a device such as abag, a satchel or a cap of a child and a student which is carried at atime of commuting or attending school. In this case, states ofsurroundings are photographed at a constant interval and, when the imageis transmitted to a predetermined server, the parent or the like watchesthe image at a remote place to secure security of the child. In thisapplication, without conscious of a camera, a clear image isphotographed even when vibration occurs at the time of moving. Further,when a GPS is mounted in addition to the camera module, the position ofa target person can be obtained simultaneously and thus, when anaccident occurs, its position and situation can be confirmedimmediately.

In addition, when the optical unit 100 with a shake correction functionto which at least an embodiment of the present invention is applied ismounted at a position which is capable of photographing toward a frontside in a car, it can be used as an on-vehicle monitoring device such asa drive recorder. Further, it may be structured that the optical unit100 with a shake correction function to which at least an embodiment ofthe present invention is applied is mounted at a position which iscapable of photographing toward a front side in a car and a front sideimage is photographed automatically at a constant interval and isautomatically transmitted to a predetermined server. Further, when thisimage is distributed while interlocking with traffic jam information inthe Vehicle Information and Communication System or the like, thesituation of a traffic jam can be provided further in detail. Accordingto this service, similarly to a drive recorder mounted on a car, thesituation when an accident has occurred can be recorded by a thirdperson of passer-by without intention to utilize an inspection of thesituation. Further, a clear image can be acquired without affected byvibration of a car. In a case of the application, when a power supply isturned on, a command signal is outputted to the control section and theshake control is started on the basis of the command signal.

Further, the optical unit 100 with a shake correction function to whichat least an embodiment of the present invention is applied may beapplied to shake correction of an optical device from which a light beamis emitted such as a laser beam pointer, a portable or on-vehicleprojection display device and direct viewing type display device.Further, in an observation system with a high magnification such as anastronomical telescope system or a binocular system, the optical unit100 may be used to observe without using an auxiliary locking devicesuch as three-legged supports. In addition, when at least an embodimentof the present invention is applied to a rifle or a turret of a tank,its attitude can be stabilized against vibration at the time of triggerand thus hitting accuracy can be enhanced.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In at least an embodiment of the present invention, the movable moduleis swung with a midway position in a first direction of the movablemodule. Therefore, even when the movable module is swung by the sameangle, in comparison with a structure that the movable module is swungwith a rear side in the optical axis direction as a swing center, adisplacement amount of the movable module on a front side in the opticalaxis direction is small in a direction perpendicular to the firstdirection (second direction and third direction). Accordingly, a largespace in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction is notrequired to secure around the movable module and thus the size of theoptical unit with a shake correction function in the directionperpendicular to the optical axis direction can be reduced. Further, ina flexible circuit board, a dimension of the flexible circuit board froma leading-out part to a fixed part is long and thus, when the movablemodule is swung, a force applied to the movable module from the flexiblecircuit board is small. Accordingly, the movable module is swungappropriately and thus a shake such as a hand shake can be correctedappropriately.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claimsare intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the truescope and spirit of the present invention.

The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered inall respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of theinvention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than theforegoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embracedtherein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An optical unit with a shake correctionfunction comprising: a movable module which holds an optical elementwherein an optical axis of the optical element is extended along a firstdirection; a fixed body comprising a body part which surrounds themovable module; a support mechanism which swingably supports the movablemodule at a midway position of the movable module in the firstdirection; a shake correction drive mechanism structured to swing themovable module; and a flexible circuit board which is connected with themovable module and the fixed body; wherein the flexible circuit boardcomprises: a leading-out part which is extended from the movable moduleon a first side relative to the optical axis in a second directionintersecting the first direction; a first extended part which isextended from the leading-out part to a second side relative to theoptical axis in the second direction so as to face a rear side end facein an optical axis direction of the movable module through a gap space;a first curved part which is curved from a tip end side of the firstextended part toward a rear side in the optical axis direction; a secondextended part which is extended from the first curved part toward thefirst side in the second direction; and a fixed part of the secondextended part which is connected with the fixed body on the first siderelative to the optical axis in the second direction; wherein thesupport mechanism is a gimbal mechanism; and wherein the supportmechanism is provided at a middle position of the movable module in thefirst direction.
 2. The optical unit with a shake correction functionaccording to claim 1, wherein the leading-out part and the fixed partare overlapped with each other when viewed in the first direction. 3.The optical unit with a shake correction function according to claim 2,wherein the flexible circuit board comprises a second curved part whichis curved from the leading-out part toward the rear side in the opticalaxis direction between the leading-out part and the first extended part,and the first extended part is extended from the second curved parttoward the second side in the second direction.
 4. The optical unit witha shake correction function according to claim 3, further comprising aspacer which is disposed between the rear side end face in the opticalaxis direction and the first extended part on the first side relative tothe optical axis in the second direction and is fixed to the rear sideend face in the optical axis direction.
 5. The optical unit with a shakecorrection function according to claim 4, further comprising a gyroscopewhich is fixed to the rear side end face in the optical axis directionon an extended line of the optical axis, wherein a dimension of thegyroscope in the first direction is smaller than that of the spacer. 6.The optical unit with a shake correction function according to claim 3,further comprising a spacer which is provided with a protruded partwhich is protruded to the rear side in the optical axis direction on thefirst side relative to the optical axis in the second direction, thespacer being fixed to the rear side end face in the optical axisdirection, wherein the protruded part is disposed between the rear sideend face in the optical axis direction and the first extended part. 7.The optical unit with a shake correction function according to claim 6,further comprising a gyroscope which is fixed to the rear side end facein the optical axis direction on an extended line of the optical axis,wherein a dimension of the gyroscope in the first direction is smallerthan that of the protruded part.
 8. The optical unit with a shakecorrection function according to claim 4, further comprising a clampmember which is fixed to the spacer and holds a portion of the firstextended part located on the first side relative to the optical axis inthe second direction between the spacer and the clamp member.
 9. Theoptical unit with a shake correction function according to claim 8,wherein the clamp member is provided with a pressing part in a flatplate shape which is overlapped with the first extended part on anopposite side to the spacer and a connecting plate part which isextended from the pressing part toward the spacer and is connected withthe spacer.
 10. The optical unit with a shake correction functionaccording to claim 9, wherein one of the connecting plate part and thespacer is formed with an engagement hole, and the other is formed withan engaging projection which is engaged with the engagement hole. 11.The optical unit with a shake correction function according to claim 9,further comprising an elastic member which is provided between the firstextended part and the pressing part or between the first extended partand the spacer.
 12. The optical unit with a shake correction functionaccording to claim 8, wherein the spacer is made of material whosethermal conductivity is higher than that of a mounting part of theflexible circuit board on which an imaging element is mounted.
 13. Theoptical unit with a shake correction function according to claim 12,wherein the spacer is made of metal.
 14. The optical unit with a shakecorrection function according to claim 13, further comprising a heatradiation accelerator which is formed in the spacer, wherein the heatradiation accelerator comprises at least one of a through hole extendedso as to penetrate through the spacer and a groove extended along a sideface of the spacer.
 15. The optical unit with a shake correctionfunction according to claim 14, wherein an extending direction of theheat radiation accelerator is a direction intersecting the optical axis.16. The optical unit with a shake correction function according to claim1, wherein the flexible circuit board is one of a plurality of flexiblecircuit boards provided so as to be shifted from each other in a thirddirection intersecting the first direction and the second direction. 17.The optical unit with a shake correction function according to claim 16,wherein three pieces of the flexible circuit boards are provided so asto be shifted from each other in the third direction, and dimensions inthe third direction of a first flexible circuit board and a secondflexible circuit board of the three pieces of the flexible circuitboards which are arranged in the third direction are equal to eachother.
 18. The optical unit with a shake correction function accordingto claim 17, wherein the third flexible circuit board is providedbetween the first flexible circuit board and the second flexible circuitboard in the third direction; a size in the third direction of the firstflexible circuit board and a size in the third direction of the secondflexible circuit board are different from a size in the third directionof the third flexible circuit board; and among any two of the firstflexible circuit board, the second flexible circuit board and the thirdflexible circuit board, the flexible circuit board that has a largerthird direction size also has a longer length from the leading-out partto the fixed part.
 19. The optical unit with a shake correction functionaccording to claim 18, each of the first plurality of flexible circuitboards has a first curved part, wherein when viewed in the firstdirection, wherein the first curved parts of the first flexible circuitboard and the third flexible circuit board are located at differentpositions from each other in the second direction, and the first curvedparts of the second flexible circuit board and the third flexiblecircuit board are located at different positions from each other in thesecond direction.
 20. The optical unit with a shake correction functionaccording to claim 1, wherein the fixed body comprises: a first bottomplate having an opening part on the rear side in the optical axisdirection relative to the first extended part for extending the secondextended part to the rear side in the optical axis direction; and asecond bottom plate which covers the opening part on the rear side inthe optical axis direction relative to the second extended part; and inthe fixed part, the second extended part is fixed to a face on the rearside in the optical axis direction of the first bottom plate.
 21. Theoptical unit with a shake correction function according to claim 1,wherein the support mechanism is provided at a same position in thefirst direction as a gravity center position of the movable module. 22.The optical unit with a shake correction function according to claim 6,further comprising a clamp member which is fixed to the protruded partof the spacer and holds a portion of the first extended part located onthe first side relative to the optical axis in the second directionbetween the spacer and the clamp member.
 23. The optical unit with ashake correction function according to claim 22, wherein the clampmember is provided with a pressing part in a flat plate shape which isoverlapped with the first extended part on an opposite side to theprotruded part of the spacer and a connecting plate part which isextended from the pressing part toward the protruded part of the spacerand is connected with the spacer.
 24. The optical unit with a shakecorrection function according to claim 23, wherein one of the connectingplate part and the protruded part of the spacer is formed with anengagement hole, and the other is formed with an engaging projectionwhich is engaged with the engagement hole.
 25. The optical unit with ashake correction function according to claim 23, further comprising anelastic member which is provided between the first extended part and thepressing part or between the first extended part and the protruded partof the spacer.
 26. The optical unit with a shake correction functionaccording to claim 22, wherein the spacer is made of material whosethermal conductivity is higher than that of a mounting part of theflexible circuit board on which an imaging element is mounted.
 27. Theoptical unit with a shake correction function according to claim 26,wherein the spacer is made of metal.
 28. The optical unit with a shakecorrection function according to claim 27, further comprising a heatradiation accelerator which is formed in the spacer, wherein the heatradiation accelerator comprises at least one of a through hole extendedso as to penetrate through the spacer and a groove extended along a sideface of the spacer.
 29. The optical unit with a shake correctionfunction according to claim 28, wherein an extending direction of theheat radiation accelerator is a direction intersecting the optical axis.